Worldwide, the number of potential pathogens is very large, while the resources for disease research and development is limited. To ensure efforts under the World Health Organisation’s blueprint are focused and productive, a list of diseases and pathogens are prioritized for research in public health emergency contexts – what is fascinating, is that nearly all pathogens on the list are viruses. In this podcast, I will explore how particular viruses have shaped healthcare on a global scale. (With thanks to Hephzibah P for conducting the research and providing the content for this podcast)